Nothing Serious: The Bound Series, #4

By Jessica Jarman

It was meant to be nothing serious. And it was...until it wasn't.

Aaron Stevens likes his life the way it is. As a surgical resident, he is perfectly content with the fact that the precious hours he has outside the hospital revolve around taking care of his mother and sister. He doesn't have the time or inclination for a serious relationship. So the fact his lover lives halfway around the world and is fine with jetting off to exotic locales a couple times a year for a few weeks of hot sex is as close to perfect as he can get. 

The last thing Jack Hayes ever expected when his best friend got involved with an American was to hook up with her son. And he sure as hell never imagined it would continue for as long as it has. For years, he has been at Aaron's beck and call, satisfied with submitting to him whenever Aaron and his busy life allow. But, after a change in his family's company that has him looking for a new job, and possibly moving, Jack has begun to examine what he really wants in life and isn't sure stolen moments here and there are enough anymore. 

When Jack arrives to attend Aaron's sister's wedding, keeping what he and Aaron have a secret begins to take its toll. Aaron is unwilling to come out to his family, afraid of hurting them and ruining what should be the happiest day of his sister's life. As much as Jack has come to love Aaron, he can't bring himself to be the dirty secret in Aaron's closet. Aaron has a choice to make, because the tighter he holds on to keeping their "nothing serious" arrangement, the closer he comes to losing everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica Jarman
• Release date: Sep 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516375790

Book preview

Chapter One

Don’t answer it, Aaron Stevens muttered as his phone buzzed in the passenger seat beside him. Just don’t do it.

His hands flexed on the steering wheel. He was only two blocks from home, desperate for a shower and his bed after thirty plus hours at the hospital, and he knew, he just knew, if he picked up, he wouldn’t be standing under a spray of hot water in five minutes.

The buzzing stopped then, seconds later, started right back up.

Fuck. He grabbed the phone and glanced at the display, and wished he hadn’t. Pulling into his driveway, he hit the accept button and answered. Hey, Mom, what’s up?

Did I catch you at the hospital? I thought you were on vacation? You were able to get the time off for the wedding, weren’t you? You said it wouldn’t be a problem if there was enough notice, and you put in for the time over—

Mom, take a breath, all right? He laughed, not at all surprised he didn’t get so much as a greeting. His sister was getting married in less than a week, and his mom was about to lose her ever loving mind. I got the time off, but I still had to finish my shifts this week, didn’t I? And I’m not at the hospital. In fact, I just got home, so why don’t you tell me what’s going on before I pass out mid-call, okay?

Oh...

Silence followed, long enough Aaron glanced at the screen to see if the call had dropped. When he brought it back to his ear, he heard her shushing someone, followed by a Well, we’ll just go to the hospital then, jackass.

Mom, what the hell is going on? Who’s hurt? he demanded, already throwing the car in reverse and backing out of the drive.

It’s nothing, honey, she said quickly. Jack arrived today, flew back from London with Nathan, and he was helping your sister move some things, and instead of listening to me, she pitched her voice higher, he carried way too much, slipped on the ice and hit his head. It’s bleeding quite a bit, and I thought maybe you could... But I didn’t realize you were just coming off shift. I’ll just run him up to the ER and—

You bloody well will not! It’s a bump, Meg, a bit of blood. Nothing that warrants a trip to hospital!

Aaron’s breath caught, and his fingers ached, white-knuckled where he gripped the wheel at the sound of the deep, accented voice. Jack. Aaron’s stepfather’s best friend, who had become one of Aaron’s mother’s closest pals. Oh, and the man Aaron been fucking on the regular for the past eight years. Not that his mom or her husband knew that.

Mom, Aaron said harshly, interrupting the guilt trip she was currently trying to lay on Jack—something Aaron was more than familiar with. Did he lose consciousness? Experiencing any lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea?

Didn’t lose consciousness. He was cussing up a storm, loud and inventive enough to have the neighbors peeking out their windows. Are you lightheaded, dizzy, nauseated?

No. I’m fine. Just leave me with my ice pack and quit fussing. And let the poor kid go home, for fuck’s sake.

Aaron’s lips curled at the kid jab. Jack knew he could hear him, the bastard.

I’m five minutes away. Aaron hit end and tossed the phone to the side.

Damn it, he was not prepared to see him. He’d known Jack was coming to the wedding, of course, but thought he’d have time to brace himself before coming face to face with his lover. Not exactly something Aaron was used to having to do. Normally, when it came to spending time with Jack, Aaron couldn’t wait to get to it. Especially, since it involved being naked the majority of the time. But now, it was being with Jack and everyone else. All together. Being in the same room and not being able to touch him or, hell, even look at him the wrong way or for too long.

By the time Aaron parked in front of his childhood home, he was tense and tired and cursing himself seven times the fool for answering the phone. Oh well, nothing to be done for it now. Getting out of the car, locking it behind him, he headed up the front walk. He’d go in, make nice with the family, play doctor with Jack in the decidedly non-fun way, and get the hell out as soon as he could. To that hot shower and soft bed waiting for him.

He rolled his eyes as his sneakers slipped on the bottom step. When he pushed the front door open, he called out, You know, you’d have less injuries out there if you’d salt the damned steps!

In the kitchen, his mom yelled back. And I forgot, okay? Been a bit distracted!

Weaving around Emily’s boxes and various wedding paraphernalia cluttering the hallway, Aaron chuckled. Make yourself a list like a normal person. Hey, Nathan, welcome home.

Nodding, his stepfather murmured, Good to be back.

His mom smiled broadly when she saw Aaron, but it faltered as she gestured toward the table. I’m sure it isn’t serious, but he went down hard, and I’d hate to not have it looked at. What if he has a concussion or a...or a brain bleed or something?

Oh, Meg. The man in question rose to his feet, holding an icepack wrapped in a dishtowel to the base of his head. It’s a bump. That’s it. I’m perfectly fine. Now, he lowered his hand, tossing the pack on the table, I’d like to find a hotel room and sleep this off.

Before his mom could say anything, Aaron walked over to Jack and, hand on his shoulder, pushed him back onto the chair.

No need to be so rough, kid! he protested, though the corner of his mouth twitched. You’ve a terrible bedside manner.

Don’t see a bed, Aaron pointed out as he forced Jack to tip his head forward so Aaron could see the wound better. Leaning close, he took a chance and added in a whisper, You weren’t calling me kid the last time I had my cock up your ass, and you sure as hell weren’t protesting the roughness.

Jack inhaled sharply and squirmed in his seat. Aaron...

Stop moving, Aaron ordered, fingers tightening on Jack’s shoulder, warmth flowing through him when the other man immediately stilled. Prodding the lump at the edge of Jack’s hairline, Aaron glanced up at his mom. Thought you said it was bleeding a lot? There’s hardly any here.

Because Mr. Brilliant here decided he had to run into the bathroom and freshen up suddenly.

I had to fucking piss. And washed off the blood while I was in there. So, sue me, Meg.

Bleeding’s stopped, Aaron murmured. Don’t need stitches.

Well, she huffed. "It was bleeding a lot."

Head wound, Mom. You know they bleed like crazy. He moved around to stand between Jack’s knees. Gripping the injured man’s chin, perhaps with a bit more pressure than he would with an actual patient, Aaron guided Jack’s head until his face tilted up and his warm brown eyes locked on Aaron’s. Pulling a slim light from his scrubs, he turned it on to check Jack’s pupils.

Equal and reactive, he said. He’s fine, Mom.

Told you so, you harpy, Jack drawled, flicking his gaze toward Meg as he brought his legs in just enough to brush the outsides of Aaron’s.

Next time, I’ll let you bleed to death on the frozen ground, she muttered, though a bright, relieved laugh followed the threat.

And not so fast, Aaron said sternly. "If anything changes—if you feel dizzy, light-headed, nauseated, anything out of the ordinary, you need to be seen."

Jack lifted a shoulder lazily. Yes, sir. Understood.

Aaron’s cock twitched, and he had to take a deep breath and count to ten, willing his damn dick to do no more than twitch, because fuck if he could conceal a massive hard-on in scrubs.

He swallowed heavily and stepped back, nearly groaning at the resulting rub of Jack’s jeans through his thin pants.

Good, he managed, pocketing his light and rubbing the back of his neck as he turned to his mom and Nathan. Where’s the damned salt? I’ll take care of the steps on my way out.

Where it always is, Nathan said with a laugh before walking toward the door that led to the garage. And I’ll do it.

You’re going? You don’t want to stay for supper? We were just going to order in, but—

Mom, Aaron interrupted, gently as he could. Thirty plus hours, remember? I need sleep more than food, right now. He crossed the room and, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, dropped a kiss on her cheek. "Tomorrow, okay? I’m off and at your beck and call for the next week, but starting tomorrow."

She held him close a moment and sighed. Well, make sure to eat something. You don’t want to make yourself sick.

He grinned down at her as they separated. Yes, Mother.

Shut it, smartass. She pursed her lips. There is one more thing...

Meg, Jack said warningly, and Aaron glanced over his shoulder to the man who now wouldn’t meet his gaze."

You know that Nathan’s mom and sister are staying here for the wedding. They’re in one of the guest rooms, and Grandma and Grandpa are in the other. And Emily is obviously in her room.

Obviously.

Well, Jack’s been talking about getting a hotel room since there’s not really room, but I was thinking he’s family, too, right?

No, Aaron wanted to shout, definitely not family.

I hate the thought of him in a hotel, especially now that he’s been hurt. What if something happens, and no one is there to help him?

Oh, for fuck’s sake, Jack hissed. I’ve had larger lumps and bigger hurts from playing footie!

I kept meaning to ask you before, she continued, ignoring Jack. But you have an extra room at your place; doesn’t it make sense for him to stay there?

Jack. My house. Jack in my house. Dear God. Aaron struggled to maintain a blank expression, though the things he was imagining...

Jack Hayes resisted the urge to slam his head repeatedly against the table. Mostly because his head already fucking hurt, but it’d also make Meg and Nathan ask too many questions, and those were not waters he had any desire to navigate. Not now, not ever.

He just wanted to find a hotel room and sleep; was that too much to ask? He didn’t want to deal with questions—Meg and Nathan’s or the ones he’d been asking himself the entire flight over. Actually, well before that if he were being completely honest with himself. And they were getting louder and more insistent in his head the longer Aaron remained silent.

Jack supposed he understood the hesitation—staying at each other’s homes? That wasn’t something they did. Resorts and hotels, far, far away from their actual lives—that was their thing.

Then again, nothing about this trip was anything close to what they were used to. Jack had looked forward to coming for Emily’s wedding and dreaded it in equal measure. He adored Emily, wouldn’t miss her big day for the world, but things became awkward when you’d been flying off several times a year to fuck the bride’s brother. The son of your closest friends. And not only fucking him, but doing it in secret because no one knew the man was gay, let alone hooking up with good ol’ Jack.

The flight here had been excruciating—sitting next to Nathan while wondering if he’d be able to get hold of Aaron’s cock and how often he could manage that—and Jack had nearly drowned in the guilt. It didn’t stop him from thinking about it now, though. Didn’t stop the fact that a few whispered words from Aaron had Jack’s erection pulsing against his zip. With Aaron’s blessed mother, right there, no less. Christ. He shoved a hand through his hair. He was hell bound, no question about it.

Aaron, Meg said in exasperation, causing Nathan to frown slightly as he came back inside. It’s not like I’m asking for a lot here.

Didn’t say you were, Aaron snapped, then dragged his hand over his grimacing face. Sorry. Sorry, Mom. I’m exhausted and just want to go home and go to bed.

Cock somewhat calmed down and behaving itself, Jack pushed himself to his feet. No one’s stopping you, kid. He smirked at Aaron’s answering glare and slapped the other man on the back. Go on and get your beauty sleep. We’ll catch up later, yeah?

Stepping away, he pulled his mobile from his pocket and began searching for a local cab company. He clicked on the first result, hardly picky at this point, and waited for someone to pick up.

Where are your bags? Aaron asked tightly.

Shhhh, I’m on a call.

Oh, for fuck’s sake, he practically snarled, snatching the mobile from Jack’s hand. Where are his bags?

Front room, Nathan said, stifling a laugh behind his hand.

Let’s go. The younger man strode out without a backward glance.

You, Jack pointed at Nathan, shut it. Twat.

Both of you, dinner here, tomorrow! Meg called as Jack hurried after Aaron.

He’d already gotten Jack’s luggage and was halfway down the walk, leaving the door wide open to the cool air. Jack grabbed his coat from the hook and walked outside, closing the door behind him, holding back everything he wanted to yell, determined not to cause yet another scene in front of his friends’ house.

Other side, sweetheart, Aaron drawled as he deposited the suitcases in the boot...fuck, the trunk.

Jack realized he was opening the driver’s side door. With a muttered curse, he released the handle and rounded the front of the car. He got in and waited for Aaron to do the same and start the engine before speaking.

Just bring me to the nearest hotel. Your mum will just have to deal.

He didn’t respond, but his fingers tightened on the wheel, and a muscle in his jaw twitched.

Aaron, Jack sighed, aching to reach over and touch. But he held back, uncertain of where he stood, what the rules of this particular visit were.

Jack, Aaron bit out. Just...just shut up until we get home, okay?

So, the hotel was apparently not going to happen. Jack shrugged and looked out the window at the houses they passed. Home. He closed his eyes a moment, heart thumping wildly. It’s just a phrase, you plonker. And it was Aaron’s home. His. Not theirs. Never theirs. And that wasn’t something he’d wanted—definitely not when this thing had begun between them. It wasn’t something he’d even thought about until recently, about six months or so. Since he’d last seen Aaron, he realized.

He nearly swallowed his tongue when Aaron’s hand fell on his thigh, fingers digging in brutally. Deliciously.

Stop. Fidgeting. Aaron didn’t glance at him, just kept that hand heavy on his leg, grip tight.

Shit. Jack had been bouncing his leg, a habit of his, especially when he was nervous or anxious, that drove people mad. And damn, holding it still now took an enormous amount of effort as heat flooded his body, and his heart pounded wildly. All from the simplest touch. He closed his eyes, keeping his head turned away. It’d been a long, long time since even the smallest of Aaron’s touches had been simple.

Christ, you’re tense, Aaron murmured.

Happens when being forced on someone who clearly doesn’t want to houseguest, Jack snapped, glancing at the other man, then sighed. Seriously, just drop me at a hotel. Any hotel. Or give me back my mobile so I can call a cab. I’ll be out of your way as quickly as I can.

Getting no response, Jack let his head thump back against the seat, wincing as the bump hit the headrest. Moments later, Aaron took his hand from Jack’s thigh to press a button on